Juneau, the capital of Alaska, has a population of about 30,000 people. The thing I find most amazing about Alaska is that so many people live in towns and cities where the isolation is unthinkable to me, even in the spring. I can’t imagine what it must be like in the winter. Most of these places are accessible only by air or sea - not overland.



























Juneau is a nice city, with a clear green harbour and ringed by mountains. The first time we were there was a beautiful spring day, cold, but fresh.
Skagway, like Juneau and most other Alaskan towns, was built on the goldrush, and the original site of the town is nearby, now a ghost town. The new town, where we dock, was built in the first half of the 1900s, but the buildings were all built in the old style. It reminds me of the picture I have in my mind of the “wild west” or a “frontier town.” It is a nice town, usually sunny and a relaxing place to stroll around for the day.




This photo was taken in Ketchikan. I have been having a lot of trouble posting my photos on Blogger, but I thought since this one worked now I would just leave it.

For any of you who are wondering, I'll be home July 1!!!!!! I'm so excited!!!

Ketchikan, Alaska

First day in Alaska. Dressed in the warmest clothes I can find, holding Jack’s hand, I step outside and for a second, recoil at the cold. Taking a step into the sun and a deep breath, I relax and look around. It reminds my eyes of Banff, Alberta, a small, pretty town nestled in the Rocky mountains of Canada. It reminds my nose and my heart and my soul of home.

More specifically, it reminds me of a beautiful winter Nova Scotian day. Those days when the temperature jumps, the sun reflects off the snow, and the melting ice drips off trees and buildings onto passerby; days when you can walk outside in a sweatshirt and jeans and feel alive, and think maybe winter isn’t so bad after all.

Jack and I walk across the pier to the Ketchikan Coffee stall, where we buy hot, frothy lattes full of the warm taste of cinnamon. Tastes like Christmas. I spend the day wandering and breathing the air and saying hello to everyone in this tiny town.

I think, in a way, I miss winter. But, God I miss home.




Alaska is full of beautiful Native art.